Jeff Lester – Director of Contribution

Hello there! I’m Jeff and here’s a brief story of what I’m doing here:

It begins in 2014, shortly after quitting half way through a master’s degree in engineering, I found myself in London for the sake of my true interests of health, fitness and wellness. I was there with a plan that extended no further than: “I have an idea of what I like to do and this is the place I want to do it” and it wasn’t until my discovery of The House of Yoga in London that things started to become crystal clear. After a few short months, yoga quickly moved from a physical workout to something much more meaningful to me. And then I met Jack… Jack’s incredible ability to share and connect with his students completely transformed my view on what was possible for me in life. After taking my first Happy Jack Yoga class, I knew that I wanted to be a yoga teacher and to be an inspiration to others, much like Jack himself. Since that fateful day, I began to view my practice as something much bigger and bursting with possibilities. I completed my 200hr yoga teacher training in 2016 with The House of Yoga, the place that started it all, and began teaching around London immediately. It was my dream born into reality, however life (an expired visa) pulled my yoga journey towards India for more learning and development of my practice in order to better share with others.

India was like an eye opening, life changing, cosmic event that I’ll never be able to fully describe with words. I travelled around the country for five months, beginning with Jack’s yoga retreat in Rishikesh, hosted by the amazing Anand Prakash Ashram. My time thereafter was a journey spent enriching my life through a genuine pursuit of yoga. Visiting and practicing at many unique ashrams has given me incredible insight into the diversity of yoga in its homeland. In addition to teaching at many guest houses along my travels, I also completed a 10 day course in Vipasana meditation in Bodhgaya and an additional 200 hours of yoga teacher trainings in Yin yoga, Ayurveda, Mandala Vinyasa and Shamanism in Goa, India with The Yoga People.

And then I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to be a member of the Happy Jack Yoga team! If that’s not awesome, then I don’t know what is!!

And to the person reading this… Please know that I want nothing more than to share my passion and love for yoga with you. To offer you a vigorous and authentic yoga experience that will inspire you to ask yourself new questions about what’s possible in your life. To offer you the fruits of my life insights and personal transformations and lead you to your own power by discovering that absolutely anything is possible when you live in alignment and that all you need to do is sharpen your practice in the studio and carry it with you in your daily life. Yes, all that in a yoga class 🙂

A daily meditation and yoga practice will change your life. Our free podcasts and videos bring you the opportunity to practice from your own home, at whatever time suits you. Start today!

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Elena Kokkala

Director of Rockstars

Elena Kokkala is a badass rockstar yoga teacher with an open heart and willingness to show it to the world. She’s not just a teacher, but an eternal student in the ever changing, ever progressing practice, seeking more information and inspiration to absorb and share from. For Elena, yoga represents first and foremost connection. Connection to self, connection to others and connection to the surrounding world. Having found yoga in the times of trouble, Elena shares from what she has learned and helps others to find the balance of strength and ease on and off the mat. Practicing with Elena invites you to ground yourself in the present moment, create connection and challenge yourself.

Director of Inspiration

Jeff is an easy going guy, quick to smile and make new friends, he is sometimes referred to as Happy Jeff from fellow teachers and friends who are also familiar with Happy Jack. Having completed his 200 hour yoga teacher training in London, Jeff has since continued his yoga education through many avenues such as assisting on teacher trainings in London, immersing himself in traditional ashrams in India, and completing an additional 200 hours of training in the fields of Mandala Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Ayurveda, and Mesoamerican Shamanism. When you practice yoga in a class taught by Jeff, you will experience the enthusiasm of a person who is doing what he loves. Jeff teaches with a glowing authenticity and always keeps things light and fun. He wants to share his passion and knowledge of yoga with his students and believes the only true way to inspire others and create positive change is to lead by example, practicing yoga on and off the mat.

Founder & CEO

Jack Boken (Happy Jack) is one of the most inspirational and infectiously positive leaders and has a growing & thriving yoga community around the world. Happy Jack is no stranger to adversity having overcome alcoholism, drug abuse, workaholism, obesity, divorce and cancer. He is grateful for all of these life experiences as they have contributed to his extraordinary personal transformations and allow him to connect with others who have experienced challenging life situations. Since cleaning up his lifestyle, getting clear on his vision and pursuing his passions – Happy Jack now leads transformational yoga workshops, retreats and trainings in over 20 countries around the world. You will regularly find him teaching and speaking at International Yoga Festivals & Conferences across North America and Europe. Any experience with Happy Jack will leave you feeling a deeper sense of connection with yourself and others.

Happy Jack has received the highest levels of education in yoga, human performance, vocal expression, spirituality, mindfulness and leadership. He has the rare opportunity and proximity to his Platinum Partner and friend, Tony Robbins – the world authority on leadership psychology. As an E-RYT 500 Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher, Happy Jack leads advanced teacher trainings around the world. Along with his partner Hanna, they have created the Happy Jack Yoga methodology – a transformational process to overcome any adversity and create a thriving lifestyle. His primary yoga teacher is Baron Baptiste, with whom he has completed the highest level of leadership training and assists the facilitation of programs for the Baptiste Institute. Happy Jack has completed advanced yoga studies with many renowned teachers around the world, including traditional Eastern methodologies while living in India.

Join an international leader with extensive experience in creating breakthroughs and transformation. Since 2010, Happy Jack has empowered thousands of students around the world through his inspirational teaching style. Journey into profound self inquiry, deep connection, powerful vinyasa and a musical experience that will open you up to new possibilities on your mat and in your life!

Creative Director

Hanna von Hafenbrädl is an inspirational teacher with many years of practice in teaching and guiding her students toward a fulfilling life. Hanna tragically lost her husband ten years ago and brought up two boys as a single mother. Her practice and study of yoga began in 2007 and since then she has had the chance to study with many great teachers around the world. Hanna’s yoga practice has provided her tools to create a purposeful life. Her ultimate passion is to share her own discoveries that helped her turn suffering into thriving. Hanna loves leading teacher trainings and workshops all over the world since 2014. Hanna’s teaching will inspire you on all levels, and you can except to leave her classes lit up!